Cervix 1. Obtain specimen using an Eswab collection and transport swab. 2.Remove excess mucus. 3. Insert swab and rotate for 15 to 30 seconds to ensure adequate sampling. 4. Return swab to sterile culture tube to ensure specimen preservation. 5. Label culture swab with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen. 6. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature. Note: Specimen source is required on request form for processing.
Rectum 1. Collect specimen using an Eswab collection and transport swab. 2. Pass swab beyond anal sphincter. 3. Return swab to sterile culture tube to ensure specimen preservation. 4. Label culture swab with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen. 5. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature. Note: Specimen source is required on request form for processing.
Throat 1. Collect specimen using an Eswab collection and transport swab.. 2. Tilt patient’s head back to assist in opening of mouth as wide as possible. 3. Depress tongue with a tongue depressor so swab doesn’t touch oral mucosa or tongue. 4. If patient has complained of 1 spot being sore, swab that area well. 5. In 1 continuous motion: A. Swab 1 tonsillar area up then down. B. Move to back of throat as far down as possible and swab there. C. Move to other tonsillar area and swab. D. Swab behind uvula and remove swab. 6. Return swab to sterile culture tube to ensure specimen preservation 7. Label culture swab with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen. 8.. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature. Note: Specimen source is required on request form for processing.
Urethra (Males) 1. Collect specimen using an Eswab collection and transport swab.. 2. Insert small-tipped specimen swab 2 cm to 4 cm into urethra, and rotate swab for 3 to 5 seconds to ensure adequate sampling. 3. Return swab to sterile culture tube to ensure specimen preservation 4. Label culture swab with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen. 5. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature. Note: Specimen source is required on request form for processing.
Vaginal 1. Collect specimen using an Eswab collection and transport swab. 2. Label culture swab with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen. 3. Return swab to sterile culture tube to ensure specimen preservation 4. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature. Note: Specimen source is required on request form for processing.
Transport Instructions
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
24 hours
Methodology
Microbiology Culture
Days Performed
7 days/ week
Performing Laboratory
Northwell Health Laboratories If culture is positive, additional charge(s)/CPT code(s) may apply for identification and/or antibiotic susceptibilities performed when appropriate.
